Thiruvananthapuram: In a major push towards inclusive and student-friendly education, Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Tuesday announced a series of wide-ranging reforms aimed at upgrading school infrastructure and improving administrative efficiency across the state. Among the most significant decisions is the provision of lifts and enhanced accessibility facilities in school buildings, marking a decisive step toward creating barrier-free learning spaces.
The announcements were made during a high-level review meeting of the General Education Department, where the minister assessed ongoing projects and outlined new directives to modernize government-run schools. Sivankutty said the government’s focus is to ensure that school environments reflect dignity, inclusiveness, and contemporary standards suited to the needs of all students.
A key highlight of the reform package is the decision to install lifts in multi-storey school buildings, particularly those with three or more floors. The move is intended to benefit students with physical disabilities and ensure equal access to classrooms and facilities. In addition to lifts, ramps and other accessibility features will be made mandatory in new school constructions, while older buildings will be upgraded wherever technically feasible.
The minister also announced improvements to classroom comfort and learning conditions. New school buildings will be required to provide adequate ventilation and fans in all classrooms, while air-conditioning will be installed in select spaces where necessary. These measures, Sivankutty noted, are essential for maintaining student concentration and well-being, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Beyond infrastructure, the government is placing strong emphasis on administrative reforms within the education department. Long-pending files will be cleared under a special drive, and senior officials, including additional directors, will be made directly accountable for timely decision-making. Regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure that policies are implemented without delay.
Several student-centric policy decisions were also announced. The minister clarified that students would be allowed to attend school in non-uniform attire on special occasions such as festivals and birthdays, in an effort to create a more joyful and humane school culture. At the same time, strict instructions have been issued to ensure that no student is excluded from study tours or school programmes due to financial hardship.
Addressing ethical standards in schools, Sivankutty directed teachers to refrain from accepting gifts from students, underscoring the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. He also emphasized the role of Parent-Teacher Associations and school management committees in supporting students through academic reinforcement programmes and welfare initiatives.
To ensure compliance and transparency, the Education Department plans to strengthen vigilance and inspection mechanisms, with increased school visits and closer supervision by senior officials. The minister stressed that these reforms are part of a long-term vision to make Kerala’s public education system more inclusive, accountable, and future-ready.
Concluding his address, Sivankutty said the government remains committed to transforming schools into spaces that not only impart knowledge but also uphold equality, accessibility, and dignity for every child.